Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 4) — Japan will continue to contribute to and support the Philippines in its plans to decarbonize and reach a “Net Zero” target.
In his address before a special joint session of the Philippine Congress on Saturday, visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo will persistently support the economic and social development of the country in line with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” program.
“Japan is one of the largest investors in the Philippines on a private-sector basis. Public-private partnerships and investments in companies that contribute to decarbonization are also underway,” Kishida said in Japanese.
He also said the Japan will introduce cooperation among Asian countries towards plans on the environment.
“Regarding climate change, which the Marcos administration also attaches great importance to, we are deepening cooperation on energy transition through the realization of the ‘Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC)’ concept,” he said.
“We will hold the AZEC summit meeting, and will work with participating countries to pursue the common goal of ‘Net Zero’ via various pathways for energy transitions according to each country’s circumstance,” Kishida added.
In his speech, Kishida also put a spotlight on Manila and Tokyo’s long history, emphasizing a bilateral relationship that has “overcome difficult times.”
“A half century has passed. Exchanges between our two countries have deepened, and today, the relationship between Japan and the Philippines is stronger than ever,” he said.
“I hope to work with President Marcos and other ASEAN leaders to ensure that the ‘golden friendship’ between Japan and ASEAN will be a ‘golden opportunity’ that leads to the next generation,” the prime minister added.
Kishida arrived in Manila on Friday for a two-day official visit.
